Safari Overview
This birding safari explores key habitats including Mabamba Swamp, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Expect wetland specialists, forest species, savannah birds, and Albertine Rift endemics, guided by an experienced birding specialist.
Safari Highlights
- Shoebill tracking experience in Mabamba Swamp
- Forest birding in Kibale National Park
- Wetland birding at Bigodi Sanctuary
- Savannah and water bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Forest
- Expert birding guide throughout the safari
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Itinerary Summary
• Day 1: Mabamba Swamp birding
• Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest
• Day 3: Kibale & Bigodi birding
• Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth + boat cruise
• Day 5: Game drive & transfer to Bwindi
• Day 6: Bwindi full-day forest birding
• Day 7: Return to Entebbe
After early breakfast, transfer to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria for a canoe birding excursion. This wetland is famous for the rare Shoebill, as well as African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, and numerous water birds.
Return to Entebbe in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse / 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Drive west to Kibale Forest, passing tea plantations and scenic countryside. Afternoon birding around the lodge area.
Possible sightings: Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Pitta (seasonal).
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp / Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning guided forest birding in Kibale. Look for Green-breasted Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Crowned Eagle, and forest flycatchers.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for swamp and woodland species including Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Warbler.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp / Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding en route in crater lakes and open savannah.
Queen Elizabeth hosts over 600 bird species including Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Saddle-billed Stork, and Grey Crowned Crane.
Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for water birds and raptors.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning birding game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Look for Temminck’s Courser, Secretary Bird, and various larks and pipits.
Continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, birding along the way.
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full-day birding in Bwindi Forest, one of Africa’s richest montane forests.
Target species include:
- African Green Broadbill
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing
- Handsome Francolin
- Rwenzori Batis
- Regal Sunbird
Bwindi is a key destination for Albertine Rift endemics.
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning birding around the lodge before beginning your return journey to Entebbe with lunch en route. Arrive in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Package Includes
- • Airport transfers
- • Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- • Professional birding guide
- • Park entrance fees
- • Boat cruise fees
- • Accommodation and meals as specified
- • Bottled drinking wate
Package Excludes
- • International flights
- • Visa fees
- • Travel insurance
- • Tips and personal expenses
- • Optional activities
